If you are visiting Cesky Krumlov with kids, there are a couple of tiny museums we stumbled across that are well worth seeing…
First up the Moldavite Museum… Completely dedicated to a strange precious green stone (shops for which are widespread throughout the town) found in this region, that is said to be the result of a massive meteor collision with the earth millions of years ago…
The strange rivulets and patterns on the stone in its natural form depend on where the stone has been lying deep in the ground, and whether it’s been subject to any erosion whilst it’s been sleeping… And, as you might imagine, it is reputed to have many cosmic properties… Discover its story here, admire Moldavite in many shapes and sizes, the natural and the not so, and (definitely the most popular with our party), have a go at directing your own interactive meteors towards earth and discover the effect of the impact… Can you destroy the planet single handedly? Thankfully this is just an interactive display, but it certainly makes you think…
Moldavite Museum (Muzeum vltavinu) Panska 19, Cesky Krumlov 38101, Czech Republic.
The following was a firm favourite with our group, and it’s a place not many visitors to the Cesky Krumlov Castle (more on that soon enough!) seem to know about – a Tiny Blacksmith’s Museum in a restored forge in the castle grounds. Learn about the life of a Royal Black Smith in days of old, what they would have made, how they would have made it, and then, best of all, have a go yourself!
Not something I can imagine ever being allowed in my very own health and safety crazy conscious country, but all three children donned thick leather aprons, and under the watchful eye of the super friendly Master Blacksmith each forged and hammered strange pointy things of which they were immensely proud.
Meanwhile, I was able to take the weight off on a comfortable sheepskin the Black Smith’s “Wife” was so thoughtful to lend me as I sat and observed…
Don’t miss the little room at the end which was last occupied by the most recent blacksmiths here. And all this for the princely sum of one Euro each! One not to miss…
Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Kara says
This looks really interesting. Mine are heavily into museums at the moment and know they would be fascinated here
Emma says
Thanks Kara.
Helen says
I’ve never heard of moldavite – it looks very cool though, what a fascinating history!
Emma says
Thanks Helen, strange isn’t it? :)
Pinkoddy says
That very much reminds me of Superman and my boys would just love that
Emma says
Something mysterious about it isn’t there? Thanks J! :)
Carolin says
This looks amazing, especially the blacksmith. I know I would have loved this as a kid. In fact, I’d still love having a go now :)
Emma says
Me too Carolin, but we weren’t offered a go! :D Thank you! :)
Trish says
Brilliant – and a bargain too.
I’ve just bought a new top that colour green. Might have to find a piece of moldavite to go with it.
Emma says
You will have to go and choose some yourself Trish, so many different shapes and shades! Cesky Krumlov is so worth a visit too! :)
Cass@frugalfamily says
My 10 year old had a go at being a blacksmith last year and he loved it – he only made a hook but he’s so proud of it x
Emma says
Such a great experience for them isn’t it? Thanks Cass! :) x
Otilia says
A true lesson of history for the kids and us. Thank you of sharing this with us.
Emma says
Thanks Otilia! :)
Penny says
Wow, what a cool thing to do – make a storage pointy thing – did they get to keep them?! Fancy returning to the Czech republic with kids this time.
Emma says
They did indeed get to keep them, and one of them went through the blinking washing machine thanks to me not checking pockets! :D Thanks Penny! :)
MsCaroline says
These both look like something I’d love – always looking for ‘off-the-beaten-path’ options. Had to laugh at your comment about your country being so ‘health and safety conscious’ – that really is something you have to live here to pick up on, I think! I have never lived anywhere with so many safety warnings! An interesting contrast to the German Kindergarten, where the 3-6 year-olds had their own ‘carpentry corner’ – complete with hammers, nails, and saws!
Emma says
Honestly Caroline, I don’t miss that! I remember a friend’s school cancelling the bonfire on bonfire night (5 Nov) as it was deemed to much of a health and safety risk!!! I love the attitude both here and in Denmark, that people usually have common sense, and if they don’t…. :D